Howe reaches finals for second year in a row

Top seed Andrew Howe has become a two-time finalist at 165 lbs. after winning his semifinal match on Friday night. Howe bested Tyler Caldwell of Oklahoma, 4-1, to advance to the title match for the second year in a row.

Howe, who was runner-up a year ago, took a 2-0 lead 1:23 into match with a takedown.

The score stayed that way until Caldwell escaped four seconds into the second period.

Howe took control again though in the third period with a takedown with 1:47 to go. He added riding time for a 4-1 victory.

Howe now moves on to face a familiar foe, Dan Vallimont of Penn State. They have already met twice this year, with Howe winning 7-2 in the dual matchup and 3-1 in the Big Ten Championship semifinals. Howe also beat Vallimont last season, 3-2.